New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was arrested on Saturday; charges include assault, strangulation, and drug possession.
As reported earlier, an altercation occurred between Peppers and his girlfriend, where he allegedly “hit her, choked her, removed her clothing, and put her outside,” as stated in the police report. The girlfriend accused Peppers of placing his hands on her neck, slamming her head into a wall, and throwing her down the stairs.
After pleading not guilty, Peppers was released on bond Monday from Quincy District Court. However, Peppers’s attorney, Mark Brofsky, challenged the accusations, suggesting they have video evidence casting doubt on the allegations.
“We possess evidence that contradicts the alleged victim’s account, and I anticipate my client’s full exoneration,” Brofsky stated outside the courthouse.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night. Responding to a disturbance call at 4:15 a.m., police found a clear bag containing a white powdery substance in Peppers’ wallet, which he identified as cocaine.
Peppers claimed the woman was intoxicated and fell down the stairs after he repeatedly asked her to leave his apartment. He denied pushing her and suggested she fabricated the allegations to harm his career, according to the police report.
ESPN reports that Peppers is facing charges including assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance.
The court has scheduled Jabrill Peppers’s hearing for November 22 and has excused his presence.
The Patriots and NFL have acknowledged the situation, but Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo refrained from commenting on Peppers’ future with the team. Mayo indicated that they have informed the NFL and are still collecting information.